Having ventured into the fashion scene as a model when she was only 16, Louise Wong has always been seen as a bonafide fashionista by her peers. When it was announced that she would play Hong Kong’s beloved Canto-pop legend Anita Mui in the highly-anticipated biopic Anita, the city was just as excited and nervous as she was. Through bringing the late singer’s spirit to life on screen, Wong touched the hearts of many who witnessed and lived through the glory days of Anita Mui. For Wong’s first Vogue cover and in celebration of Vogue Hong Kong’s third anniversary, we took the chance to revisit the unique beauty of our city through the lens of Wing Shya, penning a love letter to Hong Kong through fashion and photography. 

This cover shoot pays tribute to local cinema. What does “Hong Kong cinema” mean to you?

I think Hong Kong is the pioneer of Asian cinema. Compared to other regions, Hong Kong cinema has matured in its early years and distinguished itself through different unique elements. Films and television productions from different eras have witnessed the development of Hong Kong, and over the past decade, local stories and issues close to people’s lives at home have been presented to the world, giving global audiences a chance to know Hong Kong better. 

Which directors and actors have you always looked up to?

The directors I really admire include Wong Kar-wai, Wes Anderson and Hayao Miyazaki, and for actors, Natalie Portman and Tilda Swinton.

Were there any movies that had a profound impact on you growing up or made you want to become an actress?

I was focused on becoming an outstanding fashion model, so I never thought about being an actress. However, I’ve always loved watching movies and one that left a lasting impression on me as a child was Léon. What struck me most at the time was how young Natalie Portman turned her character’s negative emotions into strength, whether it was fear or the sadness she felt from losing her loved ones. From her character, I learnt that through discovering and feeling different emotions, actors can live all kinds of lives invented by screenwriters. I was intrigued by the industry then. 

After playing legendary Hong Kong pop diva Anita Mui, what similarities do you think you share with her?

Actors need to find commonalities between themselves and their characters because it helps to bring them closer together. I think we both have bright personalities and we are both “older sisters” in the sense that we love to take care of people, but there are, of course, a lot of differences between us. 

Was there anything you borrowed from Mui’s attitude in life?

Her determination to stay true to herself and her desire to improve — these aspects of her character touched me. 

What should the people of Hong Kong learn from Anita Mui?

Her perseverance and indomitable spirit, of course. And her determination to pursue what she loves, her gratitude for those around her and her kindness to those who need help. 

Were you ever worried about being stereotyped by your role as Anita Mui?

No. As an actor, you’d want to bring out different aspects of your character to the audience. In Hollywood films, actors even transform into a whole other person in terms of appearance and personality. I think this process is a bit “self-abusive”, but it is also very interesting, so I hope to continue to present my multi-faceted self to the audience. 

Your audience has met Louise Wong on-screen, but what do you want people to know about Louise Wong off-screen?

I’m a person who strives to be versatile. Whether I’m shooting commercials or films, I always want to get something new out of it. I’ll keep being the “silly older sister” to everyone, so I hope people can feel my positive energy.